Hearts of Oak began their 2024/25 Ghana Premier League(GPL) campaign with a shocking 1-0 defeat to league debutants Basake Holy Stars at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
The Phobians, who have narrowly escaped relegation in their last two seasons, struggled to break down a resilient Holy Stars side. The away team, playing their first-ever top-flight match, took the lead early, with Prince Tweneboah’s header finding the back of the net just two minutes into the game.
Despite enjoying 69% possession and launching 206 attacks, Hearts of Oak were unable to find an equaliser. They created 15 goal attempts but only managed three shots on target, compared to Holy Stars’ six attempts with four on target.
Holy Stars’ defence, marshaled by goalkeeper Abdul Wahab Abubakari, stood strong, with Abubakari making several key saves to secure the historic victory.
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Hearts of Oak’s attacking pressure led to 144 dangerous attacks, but their inefficiency in front of goal was evident. Key chances were missed, and the Phobians’ inability to convert their dominance into goals left their fans frustrated.
Basake Holy Stars, under the guidance of coach Abdulai Gazale, executed their game plan perfectly, absorbing the pressure and hitting Hearts early to unsettle them. Gazale, a former Asante Kotoko assistant coach, will be delighted with his team’s memorable debut win, as they look ahead to their next game against Dreams FC.
Hearts of Oak, meanwhile, must regroup quickly as they face Heart of Lions in their next fixture. The loss raises concerns about the team’s preparedness for the season, with fans hoping for a better performance in their upcoming matches.
